Two University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks Hockey players released following a race-fuelled fight

Two American college hockey players have been released by their team following a race-fuelled fight earlier this month.

Preston Hodge, 21, and Matt White, 25, were let go by the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks on Friday. Another Mavericks player, 23-year-old Alex Simonson, has been "suspended pending further investigation by the athletic department."

The trio was ticketed Aug. 3 on suspicion of disorderly conduct.

Witnesses told police the teammates had harassed a small group of black people with racial slurs and a fight had ensued.

"We are extremely disappointed in the actions of these students," UN-O athletic director Trev Alberts said.

"We will not tolerate any misconduct of this nature. We will continue to work diligently to ensure our student athletes understand the importance of tolerance and respect for others.”

White, who was entering his fourth NCAA season, was the Mavericks' co-captain.